We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the interiors and long-term evolution of sub-Neptunes, within the Exoplanet Interiors and Atmospheres group lead by Prof. Caroline Dorn. The position is embedded in the NCCR Genesis, the National Centre of Competence in Research on the emergence of life in the Universe which gives access to a Switzerland-wide, deliberately interdisciplinary network spanning planetary physics, geochemistry, chemistry and biology. The position takes two years, but is extendable by a third year subject to NCCR Genesis procedures.
Recent work has unsettled the layered picture of sub-Neptune interiors. Evidence for extensive miscibility between metal, silicates and hydrogen and for the strong coupling between deep interiors and observable envelopes, suggests that the compositional boundaries these planets are usually modelled with may not exist. This opens a set of questions around miscibility, demixing, and chemistry-driven convection, as well as volatile exchange between magma oceans and envelopes, and how all of this imprints on the observational part of the atmosphere.
We deliberately do not prescribe a narrow project, the directions above describe the territory, not the destination. We are interested in hearing which questions you want to pursue and what you would build to answer them. Applicants are asked to sketch their own ideas in the application
An independent research position in a group working across interior structure, atmospheric characterisation and magma-ocean chemistry, with links to the PLATO mission and JWST programmes. ETH Zurich offers an outstanding research environment, competitive salary and benefits according to ETH regulations, and support for conference travel, computing and career development. Zurich consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following document as a single PDF:
Further information about Department of Physics can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dorn, [email protected] (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
The review of applications will begin 15th of October and continue until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, ideally May 2027. Informal enquiries before applying are welcome via email to the group leader. We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following document as a single PDF:
Further information about Department of Physics can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dorn, [email protected] (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
The review of applications will begin 15th of October and continue until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, ideally May 2027. Informal enquiries before applying are welcome via email to the group leader. We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
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ETH Zurich is a public research university in the city of Zurich, Switzerland.